crobar chicago closes

After 19 years of operation, Crobar Chicago, a nightlife institution and the flagship location of the Crobar brand, closed on April 17 — but not after a blowout party, The Last Dance, on its final night of operation, which featured performances from familiar names like DJ Psycho Bitch and DJ Teri Bristol.

Crobar Chicago, which saw the demise of sister properties in New York and Miami and is survived by its Buenos Aires sibling, was known for its house and trance music, with performances throughout its lifespan by Paul Oakenfold, Erick Morillo and Will.I.Am. Celebrity clientele often included former Chicago Bull Dennis Rodman (who hosted An Evening with Dennis Rodman at the venue April 10) and Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan. It recently attracted superstar athletes like the Bulls’ Joakim Noah and Derrick Rose. Crobar was #25 on the 2010 Nightclub & Bar Top 100.

Crobar also served as a popular club for the Chicago gay community, hosting events like the weekly G.L.E.E. (Gay, Lesbian, Everyone’s Equal) Club — the longest-running gay-themed party in the Windy City — which then became Anthem Sundays after Crobar’s remodel in 2003.

The space will reopen in May or June as The Vibe, which owner Joey Vartanian told the Chicago Sun-Times would be “a little more accessible — not so niche market.”